Galena Park, situated within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area of Harris County, Texas, boasts a diverse population with a strong Hispanic presence.

In the early 1980s, Galena Park’s economy began to experience difficulties due to changes in the shipping industry. Prior to this time, a group of workers known as longshoremen would spend up to a week unloading cargo from ships, contributing to the local economy. However, the introduction of cranes reduced the unloading time to less than a day, resulting in a decrease in the number of workers needed. Additionally, layoffs in the steel mills, caused by increased foreign competition, further impacted the economy. The September 11, 2001 attacks led to stricter security measures, limiting sailors’ freedom to leave ships docked at port, which also had a negative effect on Galena Park’s economy.

Galena Park can be found at the coordinates 29°44′20″N 95°14′14″W (29.738928, –95.237211)

The city boasts a total area of 5.0 square miles (13 km2), consisting entirely of land, as reported by the United States Census Bureau.

Galena Park is situated east of the 610 Loop and north of the Houston Ship Channel, with proximity to the City of Jacinto City and Houston’s Clinton Park neighborhood. Clinton Drive serves as the primary arterial road for Galena Park, facilitating traffic to and from the ship channel and Port of Houston. The surrounding area is characterized by a network of freeways, freight railways, and heavy industrial activity.

According to the 2020 US census, there were a total of 10,740 individuals, 3,019 households, and 2,481 families living in the city.

The emergency response and law enforcement needs of Galena Park’s citizens are met by the Galena Park Fire Department and the Galena Park Police Department, respectively.

In Houston’s Texas Medical Center, the closest public hospital is Ben Taub General Hospital.